A Lotus blossoms in Monaco for the very first time

©TheCahierArchive

Colin Chapman's Team Lotus entered Grand Prix racing on this day in 1958, fielding a pair of Climax-powered Lotus 12s at Monaco for Graham Hill and Cliff Allison.

It was the start of a long and prosperous journey for the legendary British team, a trip to 606 Grands Prix, 81 wins, seven Constructors' titles and six Drivers' championships split between Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi and Mario Andretti.

In the picture by Bernard Cahier above, Hill is seen here rounding the Principality's Gazomètre before the Briton was sidelined by a drive-shaft failure while running sixth. But Allison would go on to finish in sixth position, although 13 laps behind the Cooper-Climax of race winner Maurice Trintignant.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.